Man to stand trial accused of stabbing wife to death on New Year's Day

A man is to stand trial charged with the murder of his wife.

Mompati Isaacs, 38, allegedly killed Keotshepile Isaacs at a property in North Berwick in East Lothian on New Year’s Day 2024.

It is claimed Isaacs shouted at the 33-year-old – known as Naso – and pushed her onto a bed, holding her down.

He is then said to have repeatedly stabbed and struck her on the head, neck and body with a knife.

Isaacs faces a separate charge of engaging in a course of abusive behaviour towards his wife between October 1, 2022 and the day of the alleged murder.

This is said to have occurred in North Berwick, Edinburgh and in her home country of Botswana.

It includes claims Isaacs physically assaulted her, tracked her mobile phone, tried to control what she wore and sent her abusive texts.

The accusation further states he made her leave a property at night-time knowing she had nowhere else to stay.

Another charge claims Isaacs was threatening and abusive to another man by calling him and accusing him of having an affair with his wife.

The case called for a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

Gareth Jones KC, defending, said Isaacs was offering a plea to the reduced charge of culpable homicide in connection with the death.

But, this was rejected by prosecutors.

Mr Jones stated a special defence that Isaacs had been acting with “diminished responsibility” at the time had been lodged.

The defence advocate said: “Otherwise we are in a position to proceed to trial.”

Advocate depute Ali Murray will lead the prosecution in the case.

Lord Armstrong fixed a trial which is schedule to start in September 2025 in Edinburgh.

The case could last up to eight days.

Keotshepile Isaacs’s funeral took place in Botswana on February 20, 2024 after her body was flown home following an online fundraising appeal, which gathered more than £3,000.